Is bile reflux gastritis caused by gallstones?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on June 25, 2025
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Bile reflux gastritis is not necessarily caused by gallstones. The causes of bile reflux gastritis may include poor gastric motility, relaxation of the pyloric sphincter, or diseases of the gallbladder such as cholecystitis, among others. Infection with Helicobacter pylori can also lead to bile reflux gastritis. After the occurrence of the above diseases, it is necessary to complete an electronic gastroscopy examination and detection of Helicobacter pylori. Treatment should also include the use of medications that enhance gastric motility, protect the gastric mucosa, and suppress gastric acid secretion.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Bile reflux gastritis symptoms

Bile reflux gastritis, primarily, its symptoms are caused by the damage of bile to the gastric mucosa, manifesting as acid reflux, belching, abdominal pain, and bloating. This can lead to damage to the gastric mucosa, resulting in erosion and bleeding. In cases of bile reflux gastritis where symptoms are not particularly typical, symptoms may be alleviated by improving dietary habits. More severe cases require medication, including oral drugs that promote gastrointestinal motility, protect the gastric mucosa, and inhibit gastric acid secretion. It is important to maintain a light diet, avoid highly irritating foods, and prevent irritation from smoking and alcohol.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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How long does it take for bile reflux gastritis with erosion to heal?

Bile reflux gastritis with erosion takes different times to recover, depending on the severity of the condition and the level of personal care. For bile reflux gastritis, one should use medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa to control the progression of the disease. It is also important to maintain a bland diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Strict abstinence from alcohol is required, and one should not eat overly greasy food or raw, cold fruits and vegetables. In severe cases, surgery may be considered when necessary to alleviate the condition.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What is bile reflux gastritis?

Bile reflux gastritis refers to the chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by the reflux of bile or pancreatic juice from the duodenum into the stomach, known as bile reflux gastritis. The main symptoms include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, etc. A diagnosis of bile reflux gastritis can be confirmed through a gastroscopy that shows bile reflux into the stomach or bile spots attached to the stomach wall. The treatment primarily involves acid suppression, protection of the stomach, and enhancement of gastric motility, with a typical course lasting about six weeks. Bile reflux gastritis is closely related to poor gastric motility; therefore, regular exercise is recommended as it can promote gastrointestinal motility and strengthen gastric motility, which can be beneficial in the treatment of bile reflux gastritis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is it serious that bile reflux gastritis causes frequent hunger?

Bile reflux gastritis, which often manifests as frequent hunger, also needs attention because if not actively treated, it can lead to a worsening of the condition. Therefore, once a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, it is necessary to treat the cause and symptoms accordingly. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, it is necessary to use proton pump inhibitors along with antibiotics and gastric mucosal protectants to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. At the same time, it is necessary to use medications like aluminum hydroxide, sucralfate, and aluminum magnesium suspension to adsorb bile, and drugs such as domperidone to promote gastric motility. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can bile reflux gastritis cause diarrhea?

Bile reflux gastritis is mainly caused by the retrograde movement of bile, which enters the stomach through the pylorus, leading to a series of symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and a bitter taste. This condition should not be directly related to diarrhea, but it is possible for patients with bile reflux gastritis to experience symptoms of diarrhea. This is more commonly seen in patients after gallbladder removal surgery. Due to the loss of the gallbladder's function to store bile, bile not only retrogrades into the stomach via the duodenum but can also directly enter the intestines, stimulating the intestinal mucosa and thus leading to symptoms of diarrhea.